Bernard Clement O'Dowda (23 March 1874 — 26 July 1954) was a New Zealand international rugby union player.[1]
Born in India, O'Dowda received his education at Christ's College, a school in London. He was a forward and played his early rugby with Brighton, from where he earned Sussex representative honours.[2]
O'Dowda immigrated to New Zealand in 1895 and two years later was called up by the All Blacks for an Australian tour, although he proved unable to make the trip.[3] His next opportunity came in 1901 and he made two uncapped appearances for his adopted country, a practice match against Wellington and a fixture against the visiting New South Wales team.[2]
A Taranaki player, O'Dowda was the first of three generations to play for the province, preceding son Clem and two grandchildren. He was also the father-in-law of All Black Ces Badeley.[2]